Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Pat Shaw on February 19, 2015, 07:13:17 pm

Title: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: Pat Shaw on February 19, 2015, 07:13:17 pm

Hi All, So you have your control panel built with artwork fixed and your protective plexi ready to sit on top. How do you fix the plexi? Do you just rely on pressure from the buttons clamping it to the CP or do you use a glue?

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: bfauska on February 19, 2015, 07:18:49 pm

For home use I think most people use the buttons and the fact that the t-molding keeps the edges masked to hold it in place. In the wild most the ones I've seen have ugly screws through the plexi.

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: Pat Shaw on February 19, 2015, 07:27:44 pm

Yeah I want to avoid screws at all costs. It's the first time i've built one so just wanted to check that the pressure from the button screws alone would be enough.

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: Richardgregory on February 19, 2015, 07:52:49 pm

Buttons clamping the plexi works for me.....it's quite secure.

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: Well Fed Games on February 19, 2015, 08:06:24 pm

I've used carriage bolts which have a nicer appearance than screws.

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: DietCoke on February 19, 2015, 08:28:12 pm

This would have been a great post for me LAST SATURDAY.

@$&^&#!@^

 ;D

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: ChanceKJ on February 19, 2015, 09:42:51 pm

I got this....


(http://c3270052.r52.cf0.rackcdn.com/packing-week-duct-tape4.jpg)

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: yotsuya on February 19, 2015, 09:45:12 pm

Quote from: Well Fed Games on February 19, 2015, 08:06:24 pm

I've used carriage bolts which have a nicer appearance than screws.

Yep. Carriage bolts are baller, bro.

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: liquid134 on February 19, 2015, 09:46:48 pm

yea, most games have carriage bolts of some sort, some times screws or hex heads. very rarely youll see security square heads. carriage bolts look nice, but if its just for home use, and it wont be beat on or abused, button pressure should be plenty. just curious, how is your joystick mounted?

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: DietCoke on February 19, 2015, 10:57:04 pm

Quote from: liquid134 on February 19, 2015, 09:46:48 pm

just curious, how is your joystick mounted?

That's a pretty personal question there, mister.

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: AzureKnight on February 20, 2015, 10:28:32 am

I bought carriage bolts but held off on putting them in.  It turns out I don't even need them so far.  The buttons alone do a fine job of holding the plexi down for my build.

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: Todesengel on February 20, 2015, 01:22:33 pm

T-Molding and the Buttons is all I have holding it in place.

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: Pat Shaw on February 22, 2015, 04:47:19 am

Thanks for your advice guys. What thickness of Plexi would you suggest using?

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: AzureKnight on February 23, 2015, 01:14:25 pm

I'd have to check my order sheet, but I'm pretty sure I went 1/8" on mine.

Title: Re: Fixing Plexi to Control Panel
Post by: aldub516 on February 23, 2015, 09:09:01 pm

i used some carriage bolts as well in certain areas as my 1st cabinet had a big control panel so a lot of the edges were free to be lifted up. It might sound crazy, but i enjoy to look of nice clean carriage bolts if placed properly.. They give it kind of a heavy duty and professional look to it.